What's happened
A new report reveals that climate change is causing allergy seasons in the U.S. to start earlier and last longer. The freeze-free growing season has increased by an average of 20 days across 198 cities since 1970, leading to higher pollen counts and worsening allergy symptoms for millions of Americans.
What's behind the headline?
Key Findings
- Increased Duration: The freeze-free growing season has lengthened by an average of 20 days across 198 cities since 1970, with cities like Reno, NV, experiencing increases of up to 96 days.
- Health Implications: The rise in pollen production due to longer growing seasons is expected to exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms for many individuals.
- Regional Variations: The Southwest and Northwest regions have seen the most significant increases in freeze-free days, impacting local ecosystems and public health.
Future Projections
- Pollen Production: Continued high levels of CO2 pollution could lead to a potential 200% increase in pollen production by the end of the century, significantly affecting public health.
- Awareness and Action: As allergy seasons become more severe, there is a pressing need for public health initiatives to address the growing impact of climate change on respiratory health.
What the papers say
According to Axios, Climate Central's analysis indicates that 'the freeze-free growing season lengthened between 1970 and 2024 in nearly 90% of the 198 cities analyzed.' This trend correlates with increased pollen production, which is expected to worsen due to climate change. The Independent emphasizes that 'millions of Americans in most major cities are suffering from earlier, longer, and more disruptive allergy seasons.' Both sources highlight the urgency of addressing climate change to mitigate its health impacts.
How we got here
The report from Climate Central highlights the impact of climate change on allergy seasons, showing that warmer springs have led to longer growing seasons. This trend has been observed since 1970, with significant increases in freeze-free days across many U.S. cities.
Go deeper
- How does climate change affect pollen production?
- What can be done to mitigate allergy symptoms?
- Are there specific regions more affected by this trend?
Common question
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How is Climate Change Affecting Allergy Seasons in the US?
Climate change is reshaping our environment in many ways, and one of the most concerning impacts is on allergy seasons. A recent report indicates that allergy seasons in the U.S. are starting earlier and lasting longer due to climate change. This raises important questions about health implications and how individuals can manage their symptoms effectively.
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